Comments on AirTran

[helenk]

The search function is disabled, I know that this has been asked before, but the airfare this September is $50.00 cheaper that USair, so I thought I'd try them from Phila. Anyone used them?

 

[Pat_Elliott]

If you could use the search feature, I think you'd be hard pressed to find bad comment about Airtran. I used them last September from BWI to MCO, because the rate was unreal. It worried me.

In the end, they have adaquet staffing at the hubs, they have decent planes, etc. I don't feel like I stepped on an Airtran plane and found nirvana, but I don't feel much different than being on a US Airways jet. I now use Airtran exclusively when I can. Plain and simple, they're decent travel for less.

Pat

 

[Skinsfan]

I second Pat_Elliot. We flew Airtran last May, out of BWI. Clean, new planes, friendly service. We're probably gonna use 'em for next years WDW trip. Hope this helps!

 

[Kelly&John]

We used them last year for myself and DH along with my sister's family of four. It is a no frills airline but it worked great for us. You couldn't beat the fare!

If you get to the airport early, ask if there is room in "first class". Last year they would upgrade you for an extra $35 per segment. There is no "real" food but the seats are larger and more comfortable.

Have a great trip.

Kelly

 

[laurabelle]

Just booked our 3rd flight with Airtran. Great rates, no food (who cares, we bring our own snacks), great service. They just came out with a reward program that looks good too.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

We flew on AirTran our last trip, in November, out of Philly. We usually fly on USAirways, but got a really good rate with AirTran. We had no complaints and would fly with them again. One more thing...if they are still offering the $35 upgrade, I would definitely try for one! Unfortunately we couldn't get it.

 

[prncess674]

A few things you should know about AirTran. I personally like them. Remember coach is pretty much the same on any airline.

How can I reserve my seat before the flight?
Customers traveling in Business Class or on full coach fares (Y or B class) may request a seat assignment at the time of booking. (The reservation agent can advise you of the fare class you have secured.) When booking these fares online, look for the "Reserve Seats" button on the Receipt page at the completion of booking. Seats on more deeply discounted fares, such as "Q","L" and "H," are assigned upon check-in for your flight.

If you have to have assigned seats months in advance AirTran is not the airline for you. Arriving early doesn't guarantee a family of 5 to be seated together because elites and full fare patrons will be accomodated before you. A small child will not be separated from an adult but there may only be one adult with a child. For example Adult A may be seated with Child B in Row 10 and Adult C and Child D may be seated together in Row 26. If this isn't acceptable book with another carrier.

Do you have first class?
Ours is a Business Class any business can afford. You'll get 7 inches more legroom than you would in coach, and a much wider seat too, since our Business Class seating is 2-across, like first class on other airlines. This means plenty of room to open your briefcase and spread out, or to work on your laptop without sharing the information on the screen with the person next to you. In addition to soft drinks and snacks, you receive two complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Business Class upgrades are available in advance for $35.00 over the full one-way coach fare for nonstop flights and for $70.00 over the full one-way fare for connecting flights. They are not available for use with discounted fares.

Currently, as a special promotion, for the amounts listed above, you may upgrade from any fare class on a first come, first served basis, upon checking in for travel.

I have flown FC on AirTran and don't find it that great of FC product. For a 2.5 hour flight I would suck it up in coach. To upgrade a family of four one way would be $140 which IMHO is not worth it. All you really get is a bigger seat. I could think of a lot of other ways to spend $140 in WDW.

 

[Coll0610]

We've flown AirTran several times in the last few years, always with good results. Now you can check in online 24 hours in advance. You still have to wait in line to check your luggage, but at least you have your seats ahead of time. DH, DS(7) and I bring two large suitcases plus a small carryon each. Since we had used the online check-in, I was able to check both suitcases myself last time. That's also a timesaver because it means that DH can drop DS and me off with the luggage and we get right in line without having to wait for him to park and get back in.

Since we don't have a computer there with us, it doesn't work for the way home - but I suppose you could call someone back home and ask them to check you in if it was that important to you.

I'm a little tense when I'm traveling, worrying about missing our flight or forgetting something, so knowing that the 3 of us have our seats next to each other is one less thing for me to worry about.